Music of My Life

Music is and has always been a vital part of my life. I am constantly listening to music. I can't get over the vivid memories that come back just by listening to a certain song. This was very difficult to narrow it down so, without over-thinking things, here are some of the songs that really take me back:

1. Under My Tree by *NSync



That entire album is my childhood. My tween years. And yes, in my mid to late twenties, I still listen to it year-round. Every time I listen to that album, I am taken back to when I was twelve years old, celebrating Christmas with my awesome family. Back when it actually used to snow in the DC area around Christmastime. It takes me back to the Christmas tree all lit up, the eggnog in Santa mugs, and lying in bed, wondering when I'd hear hooves on my roof. It was exciting. We were all a family, still all living under that roof.

2. Dirt Road by Sawyer Brown



Back in the day of Brooks and Dunn, my family actually used to listen to a little country. This song would play on a cassette in my dad's car when I was a little girl. We would all sing along but I never paid attention to the meaning of the lyrics until now. What a beautiful song about something my dad always taught me...
"Daddy worked hard for his dollarHe said some folks don't but that's okayWell, they won't know which road to followBecause an easy street might lead you astray
I'll take the dirt road it's all I knowI've been walking it for yearsIt's gone where I need to go."

3. City Love by John Mayer

This entire album was the soundtrack to the first time I fell in love. It reminds me of how hopeless, innocent, and naive love once was before heartbreak hit.

4. Kiss From A Rose by Seal



This song immediately takes me back to the Summer of 1995. A big Summer for me. The first time I left my parents for an extended period of time. To go to acting school in New York. This song will forever be a huge part of my life. Listening to it, I can still feel the hot, humid air of those Summer nights as a kid.

5. Leavin' by Jag Star



I listened to this song on repeat when I made the decision nearly nine years ago that I would be moving to California one day. It is so bittersweet to listen again today, now that I am finally here.

And here are some that I just couldn't leave off the list:


I Want You Back by *NSync


What? Are we surprised there are multiple *NSync songs on my list? This song deserves its own post. It's that crucial in my life. Let's just say every time I listen to this song, I am immediately taken back to the best year of my life [until now]... 6th grade :)

What If You by Joshua Radin



I'm including this song because one day, looking back, it will remind me of this time I'm going through now. This song was playing during a defining moment recently. A moment of realizing for the first time since my last heartbreak, that I was falling again... deeply.

And that's it! I'll have to keep track of the soundtrack of my life more often. It's always fun to go back and reminisce :)

After the Monday Obstacles

Yesterday was a no-good, really bad, get-me-out-of-here Monday. I had no idea when I put my fun, little chocolate brown wedge boots on early that morning that I'd be walking fifteen miles back and forth my office and up and down the flights of stairs all day. I should start wearing a pedometer. It was just a hectic, trying day.

However, I had a few things to look forward to once I climbed over those work obstacles.

1. A special delivery - Don't you love when you track a package that you've been waiting oh-so-patiently for and see that it will be delivered soon? I knew there was a 99% chance a fancy little shoebox would be sitting on my porch waiting for me when I got home from work.

Boy, was I right! As I pulled up the driveway, there it was. The shoebox weighing only one pound with my glorious new TOMS inside! I can't wait to put them on my feet and feel their soft comfiness! And to know there is a child somewhere out there with a new pair of shoes...

2. TV - I'm grateful for having a few shows that I whole-heartedly enjoy. They take my mind away from the day even if just for an hour or two. [You can read about my Fall TV line-up here!] Last night, I turned on my DVR and watched Sunday's Long Island Medium. There were tears.

Then, I watched the 90210 premiere. Surprisingly, there were tears.

There were even tears watching last night's first battle round on The Voice. I mean, Adam Levine was singing Sublime. [Okay, so I didn't actually tear up at that point.] But I did later.

3. The countdown to a long-overdue album - A Fine Frenzy is one of my all-time favorite artists. She is all I listened to in the months prior to and once I made the move to Utah in early 2010. Every time I go back and listen to her music - any song - I am taken back so fully to those very moments. I'll save those thoughts and feelings for another post as I'd like to keep this one rather light and airy :) Anyway, after three years, the new album - Pines - was released today and I'm proud to say before midnight, I became a proud, new owner!

And because I love you so much, check out my new theme song [explanation to follow in the coming weeks] Now is the Start...

What are the little things that bring a smile to your face after a long work day? What albums are you currently loving?

P.S. I can't be the only one crying during all of those shows, right? Several of you told me you were crying during Long Island Medium ;)

*Oh, and don't forget - today is the final day to enter the RoseRags giveaway for a leopard poncho! Enter now, here :)

Friday Favorites | Fashion, Music & More!

Happy Friday! Let me just say, your comments yesterday were awesome and hilarious! Before I get started talking about some of my favorites this week, I just have to take a moment to say a huge "Congratulations" to our link-up host, Miss Lindsey! If you don't know Lindsey, she was just recently offered her dream job and will be relocating to another state in just a couple short weeks. She's announcing today where her new home will be. Lucky for me, I already know so the anticipation is no longer killing me :)

Congratulations to my favorite Bargain Blonde!


Now, let's talk favorites!
Favorite Moment

I had one single, solitary moment of solitude this week. I put on my comfies, grabbed that delicious gelato I mentioned yesterday, and turned on some Ian Somerhalder Vampire Diaries. Relaxation at its finest. Have you bought your own sea salt caramel yet? What are you waiting for?

Update: I am officially #TeamDamon
Cue the "I told you so" comments ;)

Favorite Commercial

I am almost ashamed to admit this but I saw this commercial once and just about died. I do not watch Family Guy but this is funny. I feel the same way about the "h" emphasis...

By the way, Wheat Thins + cream cheese = delish.

Favorite Album

I have recently fallen in love with Mat Kearney. I loved his song "Runaway" on the Soul Surfer soundtrack and "Hey Mama" is such a fun tune! Last night, I downloaded his album Young Love [the Deluxe Edition] and I can't get enough of it. His sound is so unique! Perfect driving music :)

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Favorite Purchase

I've mentioned how I've been working on a new Fall line for After Sunset, full of new looks, new colors, new material and I just couldn't be more excited. I've been working away and needed additional supplies so I headed to the store where I picked up all these goodies :)

Colors make me so happy. Especially now that they are permanently temporarily stained into my skin from working away with the clay :)

Favorite Outfit

Blair posted this outfit on her blog Atlantic Pacific and I adore it. I think we all know already how much I LOVE that military jacket. I never would have thought to pair it with that beautiful shag skirt. I have no clue where I'd wear this but I'd find a place because I love it that much :)

And those are my main favorites from the week!

This weekend, I'll be spending more time in DC, meeting up with Raquel for lunch and cupcakes :) Then, I'll be knocking out more necklace designs and hopefully doing a little re-organizing and downsizing.

What are your plans?

Golden Girl

First of all, Happy 11.11.11! Crazy! I wish I had somewhere super fancy to wear this outfit this weekend. Who knows? Maybe something shall come up? I couldn’t pass up Friday’s Fancies this week when {av} over at {long distance loving} announced the golden theme! Gold is DEFINTELY one of my favorite colors! :) In fact, I’m a huge metallic girl – gold, bronze, copper – YES! Like, if you ever looked at my jewelry collection, you might be blown away.

I figured since it’s gold, you either have to go big or go home. So, you guessed it, I went BIG! Lots of golden sparkle and glitter all over with some big, flashy jewelry. Nothing but gold, my friends! I was originally going to go with some nude pumps but, nah! Glitter it is! :)

So, if I find my lucky pot o’gold soon, I just might be wearing this outfit to a Holiday Party or perhaps even for New Year’s!

In other news, I recently mentioned how my dear friend Robyn from the 90’s pop music days is BACK! Well, I cannot stop listening to a few of her songs. Does anyone else just listen to the same song or two on repeat for days weeks on end? I can’t help it. So, for those of you who can listen right now, I’m leaving you with one of my favorite new songs by her called “Hang with Me.” It’s got a fun, light-hearted feel and I guarantee you I will be jamming out to it ALL weekend! You can listen to it here.

After watching the video and piecing together this outfit, I’ve realized a few things:

1. I wish I had an endless closet full of everything in my size that looked good on me. Too much to ask?
2. Music makes everything better.
3. How amazing would it be to be standing on stage, dancing around to your own song, looking out at an audience where everyone is singing the lyrics?
4. Dancing like no one is watching really is one of the most liberating things to do :)
5. I love city life.
6. I would give a lot to be thirteen and only a few rows back at one of *NSync’s first concerts again.

That’s all. I hope your weekends are marvelous :)

Pins and Loves | Beginning of November

It’s Pinteresting Wednesday! If you’re new to my blog {first of all, welcome!} I take part in one of the greatest link-ups of all time called Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday hosted over at The Vintage Apple. As always, I’m super excited to share some of my favorite pins this week. If you follow me on Pinterest, you’d probably think I’m planning a wedding. Not the case. However, I seriously do blame my background in event planning for my love of the Wedding & Events category on Pinterest.

So, I’ve weeded out most of my wedding-related pins and will save those for another time! :)

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Hidden dishwasher. Such a beautiful thing!

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If you don’t already know about my love for staircases, just go read about it here in this post!

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Precious first reaction to his bride, huh?

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Seriously? I mean, hopefully it’s comfy…?

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Adorable “twist” to the ponytail!

Speaking of Pinterest, my iPhone app has been crashing like crazy lately. I tried re-uploading it but it’s still finicky. Please tell me I’m not alone in this!

I’m also linking up with Jamie for What I’m Loving Wednesday!

I’m Loving… this Halloween video from the Ellen DeGeneres Show! Sar tweeted about it and I thought it was the funniest thing ever! This is exactly how I act in a haunted house.

I’m Loving… that I have another blate planned for this weekend! WOO HOO! Can’t wait to meet this girl!

I’m Loving… whenever I find a new reality show that I like. I randomly turned a show on E! called “Dirty Soap” about the lives of some soap stars {even though I don’t even watch soaps.} I’ve only watched an episode so we'll see how it goes. Anyone else watch this?

I’m Loving… The *NSync Home for Christmas album. I’m sorry I’m not sorry. I even listen to this at the gym. “The First Noel” on this album is probably one of my favorite songs of all time.

I’m Loving… finding new music that I love! Do you remember Robyn? {circa 1995} Well, I just heard some of her new songs and I’m loving her latest album. If you’re into “dance music” check it out! What new songs are you loving? I’ll always take recommendations :)

I’m Loving… the gym. Still. That’s a good thing!

What are YOU loving this week?